UPDATE: Anne Heche Dead At 53 After 90MPH Car Crash Into House

The Hollywood star Anne Heche died today, one week after crashing her car into a home in Los Angeles at 90mph. She was 53 years old.

Heche Was Reportedly ‘Not Expected To Survive’

Daily Mail reported that it has been confirmed by Heche’s friend Nancy Davis that the actress was pronounced dead after being taken off life support. Her family had issued a statement earlier in the day announcing that Heche was brain dead, and would be taken off life support after it could be determined if her organs were viable to donate. 

“We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne’s recovery and thank the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses that cared for Anne at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital in Los Angeles,” Heche’s family said in a statement obtained by Deadline.

“Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne Heche suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition. She is not expected to survive,” the family added. “It has long been her choice to donate her organs, and she is being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.”

Related: Alec Baldwin Praises ‘Brave’ Anne Heche After She Drove Into House At 90 MPH

Heche’s family proceeded to pay tribute to her memory. 

“Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit. More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love,” they concluded. “She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”

It is currently being decided whether or not Heche will be given an Honor Walk, which is a hero’s goodbye that patients are given by hospital staff as they are wheeled into the operating room for their final journey. 

Damage From Heche’s Crash Was Extreme

Heche has been hospitalized ever since last Friday, when she crashed into a home in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles, causing it to burst into flames and burn to the ground. While her family was initially optimistic that she would pull through, later statements clarified that she was in a coma, and it quickly became clear that things were not looking good.

TMZ reported that Heche never regained consciousness after the crash and that she suffered a severe anoxic brain injury, which is complete oxygen deprivation to the brain.

A blood test was performed on Heche earlier this week, and police announced the results on Wednesday. 

“Based on the blood work, it revealed the presence of narcotics,” said Officer Lizeth Lomeli of the LAPD.

Page Six reported that this narcotic was found to be cocaine. Surprisingly, there was no alcohol in Heche’s system at the time of the crash, despite previous reports on what appeared to be a vodka bottle being spotted in her front seat cupholder in her vehicle.

Related: Rosie O’Donnell Regrets Mocking Anne Heche After She Crashes Into House At 90MPH

Heche’s Life And Career

Born in 1969 in Aurora, Ohio, Heche got her start on the soap opera “Another World,” where she played the dual role of twins Vicky Hudson and Marley Love from 1987 to 1991. CNN reported that she won a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance on the show.

From there, Heche launched a successful movie career, appearing in films like Donnie Brasco, Wag the Dog, Six Days Seven Nights, and Birth. Just last month, she wrapped filming a small role in Boston in the romantic comedy Frankie Meets Jack, which is set to be released next year. She appears vibrant and happy filming the movie in the final video that she posted to Instagram just one month ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Anne Heche (@anneheche)

Back in 2020, Heche competed on “Dancing With The Stars” in the show’s 29th season. She was the third celebrity eliminated and coming in 13th place. After the crash, her dance partner Keo Motsepe spoke out to voice his support for her. 

“Anne was my partner on DWTS for Season 29. We became close friends and my heart breaks for her and her family over this terrible accident,” Motsepe told Entertainment Tonight. “I am praying she makes a full recovery and I know the entire DWTSfamily is sending her healing thoughts. In working with her, I can say she has a strong spirit and is a fighter, and I know she will be doing all she can to heal.”

“Anne was my partner on DWTS for Season 29. We became close friends and my heart breaks for her and her family over this terrible accident,” Motsepe says. “I am praying she makes a full recovery and I know the entire DWTS family is sending her healing thoughts. In working with her, I can say she has a strong spirit and is a fighter, and I know she will be doing all she can to heal.”

Heche made headlines in the 1990s when she dated Ellen DeGeneres for three years, splitting with the comedian in 2000. Though their breakup was a bitter one, and they were not in contact in the years before Heche died, DeGeneres took to Twitter today after learning that the actress would likely not survive her injuries. 

“This is a sad day,” DeGeneres tweeted. “I’m sending Anne’s children, family, and friends all of my love.”

Related: Ellen DeGeneres Breaks Silence After Ex Anne Heche Crashes Into A House

Heche then was married to Coleman Laffoon from 2001 until 2009, and they share two sons who are currently aged 20 and 13, respectively. 

Heche clearly made some serious mistakes in her life that led to the horrifying crash that ultimately killed her, and we’re thankful that she miraculously did not hurt or kill anyone else in this incident. That being said, she is a human being who was a mother of young boys, and she seems to have been loved by many. Please join us in saying a prayer for her loved ones during this difficult time.